Baltimore Orioles Rumors: Andrew Cashner, Jason Vargas on Radar

Given the state of their starting rotation last year, it is no surprise that the latest Baltimore Orioles rumors have them targeting a pair of starters this offseason.

Given the status of their pitching staff last year, there are bound to be plenty of Baltimore Orioles rumors involving starters. The Orioles starting rotation was dead last in baseball last year with a 5.70 ERA, essentially dooming their chances of a return to the postseason. Dylan Bundy was the only primary member of the rotation to post an ERA+ over 100. For every pitcher that made at least one start for Baltimore last season, only Miguel Castro joined Bundy in having an ERA+ better than league average, and Castro made only one start.

Needless to say, the Orioles are in desperate need of pitching help. The problem is, given the payroll commitments to four players, and sizable arbitration raises for Manny Machado and Zach Britton, the Orioles are not likely to have a lot of money left the spend. As they may need two or three starters, Dan Duquette has his work cut out for him.

While the Orioles are not likely to dabble in the upper tier of starting pitchers, there are plenty of arms that could be of interest. According to Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com, the Orioles even have two specific pitchers in mind. Both Andrew Cashner and Jason Vargas are on their radar, and could be the type of pitchers that the Orioles need.

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Both pitchers are interesting options for the Orioles. Last year, Cashner performed well on his one year deal with the Rangers, after imploding in 2016. He ended the year with an 11-11 record, along with a 3.40 ERA and a 1.320 WHiP. Of course, there are signs of concern, especially as Cashner is no longer the strikeout pitcher he once was. In his 166.1 innings last year, he struck out only 86 batters while issuing 68 walks.

Vargas, likewise, is far from a sure thing. While he would give the Orioles a badly needed lefty for the rotation, there are questions about his effectiveness. After a hot start that saw him make his first All Star Game, Vargas regressed mightily. Although he tied for the American League lead with 18 wins, he also posted a 4.16 ERA and a 1.330 WHiP.

Of those options, Vargas may be the most intriguing. He will be another year removed from Tommy John surgery, and may be fully healthy once more. Of course, if the Orioles are serious in their pursuit of both veteran pitchers, they may well be able to sign both without breaking the bank.

Next: Orioles 2017 review/look ahead

The Baltimore Orioles need plenty of help in their starting rotation. Jason Vargas and Andrew Cashner would be a nice start.